Pedro P Valerio

Pedro “Pete” Prodigalida Valerio of Pensacola, Florida departed this world peacefully surrounded by his family and loved ones. He was 96 years old.

Born and raised in Rosario, Cavite, Philippines from humble beginnings, Pete forged his path to become a United States citizen, enlisting in the United States Navy in 1943 and serving nearly 30 years before retiring in 1972. His greatest achievement came in 1956 while stationed at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, where he met and married the love of his life, Mirella Drago. Their relationship would last 67 years, caring for and nurturing a family spanning four generations.

After retiring from the Navy, Pete planted roots in Pensacola, Florida where he began a second career working maintenance at the formerly Pensacola Junior College (Pensacola State College today) before retiring after 15 years. Pete continued to stay active within the community as a member of the Pensacola Lodge #42 of Free & Accepted Masons, eventually becoming a Lodge Officer and attaining the title of Worshipful Master. However, his greatest love of all was his family, both in the United States and the Philippines.

Pete was preceded in death by his son, Deo; sister-in-law, Irma Swanson; his mother Maria P. Valerio and father Victor Valerio.

He is survived by his wife Mirella, daughter Mary Meyer, son Victor, niece Belinda Althouse, 3 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be held at Oak Lawn Funeral Home; 619 N. New Warrington Rd, Pensacola, Florida 32506 on Monday, February 5, 2024, from 2-3 PM (CST). Instead of flowers and gifts, the Valerio family kindly requests donations be made to the American Heart Association in memory of Pete Valerio.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.oaklawnfunerals.com for the Valerio family.